By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
There were showers of commendation on a seasoned broadcast journalist, Dr. Kola Oredipe, over the donation of track and field starting blocks and hurdles equipment to the Bayelsa State Athletics Association.
The donation include starting blocks and about 70 hurdles equipment to help the athletes compete favourably with their peers in the country and beyond.
At the presentation ceremony held at the tracks of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the Director of the State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi commended Dr. Oredipe for heeding the call to individuals and corporate world to complement the efforts of the government in sports development.
Dr. Kola Oredipe, who is also the vice chairman of the state Athletics Association, assistant director, News with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and the immediate past director-general New Media to the Bayelsa State governor, said the gesture was part of his contribution to the development of athletics in the state.
Oredipe, who also owns the SamKay Athletics Academy, expressed hope that the equipment would motivate the state athletes to excel in sprints and hurdles events at national and international competitions.
Unveiling the donated athletics equipment, the director of the Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir. Braveman Wodi who was accompanied by other top management staff, commended Dr. Oredipe for the gesture.
Sir Wodi, who also pointed out the various contributions of Dr. Kola Oredipe at talent hunt with a recent organization of an athletic competition for some selected secondary schools in the state, urging other individuals and the organized private sector to emulate the move and support the government’s efforts in ensuring the development of sports.
Some of the elated athletes, who could not contain their excitement, thanked Dr. Oredipe for the gesture.
